Wat Yang Yai and Ta Phran Bun, Nakhon Si Thammarat: Praying for Good Fortune

Today we're taking everyone down south to pray and make wishes at Wat Yang Yai, home of Ta Phran Bun, in Nakhon Si Thammarat, for good fortune and a bit of luck. Let's look at its history and story.

With such a good opportunity, Meeting Point wants to take you south to pray and make merit at Wat Yang Yai Ta Phran Bun in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Many of you may already have heard of this temple's reputation. Today let's get to know its history and stories.

Ready? Let's head to Mueang Khon, Nakhon Si Thammarat. You could call it a hub for merit-makers, with lots of famous temples where you can pray for blessings and luck. One of them is Wat Yang Yai, home of Ta Phran Bun, a sacred figure deeply revered by people in the South. Time to go and pray. Let's go!

Highlights at Wat Yang Yai You Shouldn't Miss

Wat Yang Yai is another famous and very sacred temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat, located in Tha Sala district. Locals and visitors mostly come to pray to the pink Ta Phran Bun for blessings and luck. There are also two statues of Thao Wessuwan for merit-makers to worship, and the temple's ordination hall is painted a beautiful, unusual pink. Around the temple you'll also find Manora dancer statues and small photo spots, so you can take nice photos to share on social media.

The History of Wat Yang Yai

Wat Yang Yai used to be called Wat Khongkha Lom. Long ago, villagers farming rubber here dug up pieces of a Buddha image, which became the temple's principal Buddha, so they restored the image of Luang Pho Wat Yang Yai. They then built the pink ordination hall, which has become another highlight of the temple. The pink color comes from the legend of the Naga king Thao Chomphuchit, whose life Phran Bun once saved.

Ta Phran Bun

We can't talk about this temple without mentioning Ta Phran Bun, a sacred figure that people in the South hold in great reverence. He's believed to be the greatest of all hunters, and those who worship him are said to be blessed with luck and wealth. People come to ask for safety, protection from accidents and good fortune, and when their wishes come true, they return to fulfill their vow by making a donation to the temple.

The Legend and Tips for Asking Phran Bun for Luck

In legend, Phran Bun, also known through the Phran Bun mask or Manora mask, is the comic character in a Manora dance troupe. He makes the audience laugh and interacts closely with them, so he's a favorite with people of all ages. The mask is carved from wood, with a long hooked nose and holes for the eyes. The face is red or gold, with white teeth trimmed with gold on top, and duck feathers for hair.

It's believed that hunters had very powerful magical knowledge; otherwise they couldn't have survived the dangers of the forest, from fierce animals to supernatural forces. According to legend, no hunter could match Phran Bun. He was so skilled he could travel through the mythical Himmapan forest. Once, he saved the life of Thao Chomphuchit, the Naga king, who then took Phran Bun to the Naga realm for 7 days and gave him a magic crystal, promising that if Phran Bun ever wanted anything in the future, he should come back and ask, and it would be granted as thanks for saving his life.

People hold Phran Bun in very high regard. Those who worship him must do good and avoid evil. Believers say he helps in remarkable ways: with business, gaining the favor of elders, charm with those around you, popularity, and protection from danger, curses and black magic.

Offerings for Worshipping Phran Bun

• A flower garland
• 9 incense sticks
• 1 candle
• 1 set of betel leaf, areca nut and tobacco

Offerings for Making a Vow to Phran Bun

• 1 bottle of white rice liquor
• 1 pha khao ma (traditional checked cloth)

Phran Bun Worship Chant

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa (3 times)

Na cha li ti, o a o ae, ruek rue luek lue, chaiya chaiya, siri phokhana masayo

Chant for Wealth from the Deities

Om nama mima na ne nu ni na sawaha sawahom

Chant for Kindness and Charm

O a sanehamanussa jitti, o a sanehamanussa jittang, o a mulla phalang, o a phutthana mamihang

(A key tip: when you make a wish, be specific and ask for one thing at a time. It's said to work better.)

If you're traveling to Nakhon Si Thammarat, don't miss Wat Yang Yai to pray to Ta Phran Bun. Besides the merit you'll take home, you'll get great photos with the pink ordination hall, and who knows, maybe some luck too. If you love merit-making and sacred sites, this is a must. If you get the chance, stop by and pray here.

Wat Yang Yai Ta Phran Bun: Visitor Info

• Location: Wat Yang Yai Ta Phran Bun, Tha Khuen subdistrict, Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RbjmwEJdm8WPdY7K7
• Hours: Open daily, 08:00 to 17:00
• Phone: 084 802 1742

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Author Meeting Point Management Team, MBA มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ MBA University of Technology Sydney (UTS) DBA มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ Editorial Team

The Meeting Point management team loves eating, travelling, temple visits and lifestyle. We pick the restaurants, cafes, stays, attractions and temples we have visited ourselves and write about them honestly.